As another round of budget cuts looms ahead, disabled students at Laney College fear their needs will be forgotten.
“[Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS)] is the last man on the totem pole,” says Instructional Assistant Kim Cael.
Cael is referring to how low of a priority DSPS is considered at Laney College. “It’s like that child left in the closet.”
DSPS Coordinator Marion Martin says the cuts began in 2003 and ever since then the program has been short staffed. It used to be that all students who needed accommodation on exams such as extra time could take their tests at the DSPS.
No more.
At Laney College’s Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) tech lab, Psychology major Shawn Toliver discusses the challenges he faces as a dyslexic student. Toliver is also studying clinical and social work in the hopes of advocating on behalf of other people with “invisible disabilities” like dyslexia. At the DSPS lab, students can use unique software and equipment, like enlarged keyboards and mice (below).
Otherwise, there is only one room that can be put to use as a dedicated test space. One part-time proctor, Joe Cha, who doubles as a tutor for the program, also manages the DSPS website.
Karen Talbot, the learning disability specialist, is stretched thin, although she refuses to complain. She teaches two classes that meet twice a week, and she meets extensively with students who want help. In addition, she does all the student assessments, more than 30 per semester, each one a lengthy process.
Read more on BROKEN – Services for disabled students suffer…